With a 7-run rally in the bottom of the second inning, the Houston High School softball team turned a 6-0 deficit into a 7-6 lead and went on to beat Potosi 12-7 in the semifinals of the Class 2 District 3 Tournament Tuesday at Potosi.
The fourth-seeded Lady Trojans scored 3 runs in the top of the first inning and added 3 more in the second frame before the top-seeded Lady Tigers turned the tables.
Potosi had runners at first and third with no outs when HHS head coach Jim Moore made a pitching change, replacing senior Kelsey Pritchett with sophomore Lilly Kincaid. The move paid immediate dividends, as the first batter Kincaid faced hit a ground ball to junior third baseman Makinley Aaron and she threw to sophomore catcher Gracyn McNiell for a crucial out at the plate. After the next batter flied out to right, McNiell gunned down a runner trying to steal second base and the threat was over.
Houston then grabbed the momentum, rallying for 7 runs on 6 hits in the bottom of the frame.
The Lady Tigers batted around during the outburst, which included 2-run doubles by sophomore Ashley Gilbert and Aaron. Houston took the lead when sophomore second baseman Katy Evans smacked her second single of the inning, with Pritchett and Aaron scoring on the play.
The Lady Tigers extended their lead with 3 runs on 3 hits in the third inning. The decisive rally included an RBI double by Kincaid that put Houston ahead 9-6.
As has been the case in most outings this season, the Lady Tigers’ offense made the difference in the game, as they amassed 14 hits and recorded 8 earned runs off of Potosi junior pitcher Elaina Elder.
Evans had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Kincaid, Gilbert and junior center fielder Lacey Cavaness also had multi-hit outings for Houston.
After relieving Pritchett, Kincaid worked 6 full innings, allowing only 2 hits and no earned runs while striking out 1 and not issuing a walk.
In the other semifinal, third-seeded West County (of Park Hills) downed No. 2 Steelville, 5-1.
The district championship game is set for 4 p.m. Thursday.